<![CDATA[Hoop Intellect: Film Room]]>https://www.hoopintellect.com/s/film-roomhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4kNa!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea29a115-7a39-400b-89f1-0d55a14875f0_1280x1280.pngHoop Intellect: Film Roomhttps://www.hoopintellect.com/s/film-roomSubstackMon, 13 Apr 2026 13:20:45 GMT<![CDATA[Ace Bailey vs Indiana 1/2/25]]>https://www.hoopintellect.com/p/ace-bailey-vs-indiana-1225https://www.hoopintellect.com/p/ace-bailey-vs-indiana-1225Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:46:59 GMT
Ace Bailey's explosion not enough, Harper-less Rutgers falls to Indiana - On the Banks

With no Dylan Harper, Ace took on the responsibility of being the primary source of offense for Rutgers and kept them mostly competitive despite stagnating a bit early in the 2nd half. Pouring in buckets from all over the floor and having one of the most ridiculous shotmaking nights I’ve seen from a freshman.

39 Points 8 Rebounds 0 Assists 1 Steal 4 Blocks 0 Turnovers 1 PF
(16/29 FG, 4/8 3FG, 3/8 FT) | 38 Minutes

FULL Standout possessions from Ace Bailey against Indiana. Offense, Defense, Passing etc. in chronological order.

Other Thoughts

Most Impressive: Drives

This was easily Bailey’s most impressive game as a driver. He put pressure on Indiana in a way that we haven’t fully seen this season. His quick twitch and long strides stood out and even though the handle is still a work in progress, this was Bailey’s best game as a driver. This has been an area he’s lacked significantly but certainly points to their being more upside.

Most Impressive: Shotmaking

Ace is starting to truly become one-of-a-kind as a shotmaker. Whether it’s contested or a conventionally “less than great” shot, it doesn’t seem to matter much for him. The conversation about how sustainable it is against like-sized wings and athletes at the next level is still valid, but if he continues producing like this he could be an outlier.

Least Impressive: First Half Off Ball Def. Awareness

Had some early lapses off the ball defensively that stuck out. Made up for it throughout the game with several big plays in help, including 4 blocks, but had a rough start. There wasn’t much else to gripe about especially given how much they needed him to take shots (you then live more with the crazier ones) and he was on fire.

Men's Basketball Falls 84-74 at Indiana Despite Bailey's Historic Night - Rutgers University Athletics

Final thoughts

Putting up zero assists in another game, and this one as a primary, was not ideal but I didn’t mind Ace’s process in this game. He didn’t turn the ball over, he was aggressive and there weren’t a ton of opportunities for him to make plays for others that were realistic for his skillset. It still speaks to some of his shortcomings as a playmaker but this wasn’t a game it stood out in a negative way.

Overall, fantastic night from Ace. The shotmaking, the driving improvements, the help side flashes on defense. Terrific effort when his team needed all of it to stay competitive.

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